In Matthew 12:34-37 Jesus warns: "You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (ESV) We grew up with the children's rhyme, "Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." But Proverbs 25:15  contends with that notion when it says: "Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones." (NLT) Words can be brutal and used to rip someone to pieces. But they can also bring healing and encouragement and life. Words are inexpensive but can prove to be priceless. Proverbs 25:11 puts it this way: "A well-spoken word at just the right moment is like golden apples in settings of silver." (VOICE) Even as Jesus was bleeding away on the cross He mustered enough breath to utter these incredible words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Empty words? Not hardly. Just ask the one thief dying beside Him or the hardened executioner below Him. They were never the same. Out of the abundance of His heart, Jesus spoke...